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[Page 10]
instantly struck with its large proportion of the body it is destined to support. Vast heaps of feces [faeces] lie in it. The harsh innutritious nature of the grass lying in the stomach perhaps perfectly explains this circumstance.
Amongst the qualities of the wombat he lays no claim to swiftness of foot; most men could run it down. Its pace is hobbling or shuffling something like the awkward gait of the bear.
Its voice is a low cry between a hissing and a whizzing which cannot be heard more than 30 or 40 yards. It has never been known to utter it except in anger. Its disposition seems mild and gentle, but it becomes furious and bites hard when provoked as, I think, the following anecdote will best show.
Seeing one feeding upon the sea shore and not caring to shoot him I approached unperceived to within thirty yards of the inexperienced creature and then gave chace [chase]. When up with him, that he might not be hurt, I snatched him off the ground and laid him along my arm like a child. He made no noise, nor any effort to escape, not even a struggle. His countenance was placid and undisturbed and he seemed as contented as if I had nursed him from his infancy. I carried him for more than a mile and often shifted him from arm to arm and sometimes, to ease my arms laid him upon my shoulder;